Another great day

Today we went to school and viewed an Italian dance display then went to PE class. We have learnt some new games to share with the children at GSNS. After lunch and cleaning duties we ventured out again. Our hosts at Gifu school are just wonderful. They take us all sorts of places and really look after us.
Today we went up to Gifu Castle. We can see it on the hill opposite our hotel. You have to go up to it in a cable car as well as climb many steps to it. The views from the top of the castle are impressive as are the displays of weapons and 'armour' used by warriors many centuries ago.
We also fed squirrels while we were up there. The children all oohed and aahed over them whilst some of the adults were a bit worried about them scurrying over their feet!
The adults also managed to fit in a Japanese tea ceremony while the children were at the playground (not alone  - supervised by adults of course).
We visited a Chinese restaurant for dinner and then we went to the coromont fishing. Due to the recent typhoon we couldn't go out in the boats but we were able to stand on the side of the river and watch. Ms Spencer said you could actually see a lot more that way then in a boat.
What a great view we had of the boats and the coromont birds in the water catching the fish. It was awesome.

Cooking our dinner last night

At school

Today we were welcomed by the children and teachers at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen Elementary School.We felt like VIPs and you will see why in the video clip!

We were welcomed by the whole school where we exchanged gifts, sang the 'Respect song' together and then we all gave our introductory speeches in Japanese. The children did so well as did the adults but for some, our hopes of saying ours quickly and quietly so our attempts at Japanese wouldn't be too bad were thwarted when we were handed a microphone - actually in all honesty, everyone did a great job!
We went to calligraphy class where the children taught us to write our names. We all have ours to take home with us.
Next was lunchtime - the children all eat their lunch in the classroom which is provided by the school and served up by the children. Todays lunch was fish, broccoli salad and miso soup. That would suit me fine but there might have been a few hungry children so we had a special NZ style lunch which was enjoyed. 
After time to play came cleaning time - the children will be coming home with new skills!!

We also visited Gifu Tower, went to a playground, did a little bit of shopping and then went to a restaurant for dinner. You chose your meat and vegetables then cooked them yourself in a mini deep fryer in the middle of your table. A new experience for us.
Day 1 at Gifu was great.

Cabin Fever

After stocking up at the supermarket and arriving at our hotel well before the forecasted arrival of Typhoon Trami ( 6pm -10pm we were told), we are all in our hotel rooms eating lots and entertaining ourselves.

So here's some entertainment for you - funny (to us) Japanese signs.

How to get off a bus 

How to get into your room

Unfortunately our children had to ask what 'don't act up' meant

That's helpful

When can I come???????

 How to behave in a playground?..or not? 

So what is troublesome behaviour and acting up?

So does that mean no naked babies on the slide?
No 3 any suggestions? Perhaps don't put your finger in a plug?